The FEC approved major reforms in the NYSC, introducing civilian leadership, and new uniforms

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a major restructuring of the National Youth Service Corps, paving the way for the most far-reaching reforms to the scheme since it was founded more than five decades ago.

The decision was taken at Monday’s FEC meeting in Abuja as part of the Federal Government’s plans to reposition the NYSC into a modern institution focused on skills development, productivity and youth empowerment in line with broader economic objectives.

One of the major changes approved by the council was a new leadership structure that would place the day-to-day administration of the scheme under civilian control, while the military would continue to provide security support for corps members across the country.

To facilitate the reforms, the council directed the Attorney General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to initiate the process of amending the NYSC Act and other related regulations to provide the necessary legal framework for implementation.

Announcing the development on his X account, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the initiative as the first comprehensive review of the NYSC since its inception 53 years ago.

He said, “We are turning this Scheme into a platform that not only unites Nigerians but also equips our young generation with the skills, experience and opportunities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

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According to the minister, these reforms are designed to position NYSC as a “skills-based, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to build a $1 trillion economy.”

Highlighting the scope of the changes, Olawande explained that the approved package includes “a technology-based call-up process, risk-sensitive deployments to better protect corps members, a redesigned six-week orientation program with a stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specific career paths, major skills-based assignments aligned with academic backgrounds and career paths, modern governance with civilian operational leadership while the military continues to provide security support, increased camp standards through a national assessment and certification system, and a new graduation ceremony to replace the Passing Out Parade, in addition to uniforms A redesigned NYSC that reflects professionalism and national pride.”

He revealed that work on the reform agenda began in 2025 through consultations involving the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Federal Ministry of Education and the Office of the Special Advisor to the President on Policy and Coordination before receiving final approval from the Federal Executive Council.

Olawande added, “This is more than just institutional reform. This is an investment in Nigeria’s greatest asset, our youth. The future of NYSC starts now, and it is brighter, more relevant and more impactful than ever.”

Founded in 1973 in the wake of the Nigerian Civil War, the NYSC was created to encourage national integration by deploying its graduates to states outside their home states for a year of national military service.

The newly approved reforms are the most comprehensive overhaul of the scheme since its inception, with the Federal Government saying the changes are intended to equip young Nigerians with practical skills, improve service delivery and make the NYSC more responsive to the country’s current economic and development priorities.